Filmmaker / Visual Artist

Author: Tess Motherway

Another screening brings ‘Company B’ happily into 2019 – this time Portugal’s Festival Politica which takes place from April 25th – 28th 2019 in Lisbon and then travels onto Braga and Évora. I’m always pleased to be included in festivals that engage with politics and/or human rights – opening up dialogue through film. Also loving their festival poster – looks like it’ll be a great festival!

First screening of the new year! Company B has been selected for yet another Dance Film Festival – the first ever edition of London’s Frame Rush Film Festival! So delighted to be getting more showings for the film. Screening date is TBC but the festival takes place from March 15th – 16th in The Place, London, UK.

Company B has been selected for yet another great Irish Film Festival – this year’s Kerry Film Festival! So delighted to be getting more showings for the film. Screening date is TBC but the festival takes place from Oct 17th – 21st in Killarney, Co. Kerry.

Next Fri 17th Aug myself & other Labor Berlin analogue film society members will screen some works (16mm, 35mm & digital) including some live performances at Labor HQ: Prinzenallee 58, Wedding, Berlin.

Delighted that Company B has been selected for this year’s Light Moves Festival of Screen Dance in Co. Limerick, Ireland. I had this festival in mind to enter when first completing the film, so it’s a special one to be selected for. The screening date is TBC but the festival takes place from Nov 8th – 11th 2018.

Company B – my latest short documentary about Ireland’s only all-boy contemporary dance group – has been selected for this year’s Still Voices Short Film Festival in Co Longford and will be it’s Irish premiere! Screening on Aug 17th in The Library from 9.00 -10am and again in Bog Lane Theatre Aug 18th 9.00 – 10:00am. Woo!

In 3 weeks Ireland votes in a referendum to change the 8th amendment of the constitution which currently equates the right to life of a pregnant woman with that of an embryo or foetus. In doing so, it criminalises abortion in all cases except where to continue a pregnancy would result in death. Medical practitioners can lose their licence, or face jail time, if they offer advice to women in need of abortions. Every day 12 women are forced to travel to the UK to have abortions and aftercare in Ireland is minimal for those who have to travel.

I made this piece a year ago in solidarity with the campaign and to highlight the plight women in Ireland face every day. I’ve tried to find events to have it shown back home, but sadly, to no avail. I believe there are restrictions in place on social media for showing imagery or videos containing nudity, but I want to put it out there – however briefly – now more than ever. If anyone knows of an event between now and May 25th where it might be useful to show, please feel free to put me in touch with the organisers. Feel free to share.

I’m over the moon to announce that my latest short doc ‘Company B‘ – about Ireland’s only all male contemporary dance group – has won second place in the non-fiction category at the Cut the Gap! The Gender Equality Short Film Day in Vienna, Austria with special mention regarding the high cinematographic quality, intelligent camera work and sensitive montage. Thanks to all who attended and voted for the film – it’s always nice to have one’s work recognised, but it’s extra special to be honoured by a topic very close to my heart: gender equality.